AUTHORITIES yesterday presented a watch technician who claimed he acted in self-defense when he fatally stabbed a teen during the September 21 anti-corruption rally in Manila.
The incident occurred at the intersection of C.M. Recto Avenue and Quezon Boulevard, where violence broke out amid the mass protests.
Manila City Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, in a press briefing, identified the suspect as 52-year-old Richard Francisco, who owns a small watch repair shop in the area.
Moreno said Francisco told police investigators that he acted to protect his property when a group of minors allegedly attempted to damage establishments during the disturbance.
“Armed with a case knife, he confronted the rioters, fatally stabbing Grade 10 student Chustin Serbo Ignacio of Barangay Rizal, Taguig City,” Moreno said.
He added that Francisco voluntarily surrendered to the Barbosa Police Station in Quiapo shortly after the incident.
“He was apprised of his constitutional rights but chose to remain silent,” Moreno said, adding Francisco is now under the custody of the Manila Police District Homicide Section.
“Nalulungkot ako na may isa na namang magulang ang umiiyak ngayon. Masakit mawalan ng anak (I am sad that another parent is now grieving. I know how hard it is to lose a child),” Moreno said, as he offered condolences to Serbo’s family.
At the same time, he also urged young people to listen to their parents’ guidance to avoid tragedies during mass actions.
Moreno also reminded residents not to take the law into their own hands, no matter how difficult the circumstances are.
“It turned out it’s an ordinary citizen trying to protect his property and afraid for his life, caught in the middle of a chaotic and unruly riot,” he added.
Moreno said authorities are looking at the possible involvement of international groups behind the violent clash between rioters and the police in the September 21 anti-corruption rallies in Manila.
Moreno made the remarks in a press briefing where he announced that authorities will get to the bottom of the case, including those possibly behind the violent confrontation.
“Lahat tinitingnan namin, even international communities, some international groups who want to create a chaotic impression in our country,” Moreno said.
“Mukhang may nakikita kaming ibang narrative sa abroad. Baka naman may mga individual na involved sa kaso ngayon or pending investigation who wanted to create chaos,” he added.
Moreno did not provide more details, citing the ongoing probe.
Last Tuesday, Moreno said an initial investigation pointed to a former politician and a lawyer allegedly having funded the protesters who figured in the violent confrontation with the police in Sunday’s protest actions.
Moreno vowed to press charges against all those involved in the clashes with the police.
He had previously said that 216 rioters—127 adults and 89 minors—have been arrested in connection with the violent incidents that broke out after the September 21 mass protests.
Moreno said charges will be filed against the rioters for violation of Batas Pambansa 880 (The Public Assembly Act of 1985), Article 146 of the Revised Penal Code (Illegal Assembly), Article 148 (Assault against a person in authority and their agent), and Article 151 (Resistance and Disobedience).
“Further cases, including malicious mischief, arson, physical injuries, and inciting to sedition, are still under evaluation,” he added.
